While some in the industry – including the son of Odd Couple star Jack Klugman, who was not given any special "In Memoriam" treatment – thought the tribute would glorify drug use and give too much credit to an actor with a relatively short résumé, Glee co-star Jane Lynch noted those concerns in a touching speech.

"Cory was a beautiful soul," she said. "he was not perfect, which many of us here tonight can relate to. His death is a tragic reminder of the rapacious, senseless destruction that is brought on by addiction. Tonight we remember Cory for all he was, and mourn the loss of all he could have been."

Lynch also said Monteith had "star quality and a genuine sweetness that made it impossible not to fall in love with him. All that warmth and charm and open-heartedness that we loved was no act."

She ended by saying, "To a generation who loved Cory so, please know: This gifted and wonderful young man was worthy of your love. And if you were lucky enough to know Cory as we did and witness Cory’s goofy, breezy sense of humor, his natural instinct for inclusiveness and his unbridled sense of generosity, day in and day out, I promise, you'd have loved him even more."

Glee was nominated for four Emmys, including an Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy nod for Lynch.